The Refinery Magazine - ISSUE IV

issue four WINTER 2013

the refinery T H E W E D D I N G L I F EST Y L E M AGA Z I N E

table of contents

issue four WINTER 2013

real engagements leslie & aaron

6

aaron & bryanna

14

matthew & rachelle

22

30

the change in traditions by tahnĂŠe sanders 34

DIY: creating traditions

with spread love events & celsia florist

40 marrying modern

the Pop Up Wedding Project

real weddings lenny & nicole

54

raj & lyndsay

67 78

jessie & hannah 90

102

victoria & pail

twisting sweet tradtions

129

116

moody blooms

gift guides

152 ALL DRESSED IN WHITE

134

soft. fresh. light

dollars & sense with liz reid 168

CITY GUIDE exploring oslo, norway

172

MEET the team...

ainsley

madison

We are so happy to announce that Miss Chloe Blair has joined our team as the Copy Editor!

We couldn't be happier to have you Chloe!

chloe

thank you to all of our amazing

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHY

VIDE O GRAPHY

a n n em ari rut hven photo gra phy b r i tt any m aho o d photo grap hy c r yst al m arie sin g photo gra phy g i l lian steven s photo grap hy gucio photo graphy j a ck i m o o re photo graphy j o sh do o k hie photo graphy mat hias f ast photo graphy owl & fox st udio s sh a ri + m ike photo graphe rs ta ryn b axter photo graphy t he n ickerso n s wh en l ove happen s photo gra phy

he ra films pa ra doxa films CLO THING & ACCESSORIES frocks mode rn va ncouve r blush occa sions olivia he a dpie ce s sa ra h mulde r E ATS & SW EETS style swe e t ca le g ate a u ba ke ry

F L ORAL DESIG N cel sia f l o rist del ovely creat ive un iq ue b o ut iq ue f l o ral s

PLANNING & DECOR

HAI R AND M AKEUP

STATIONARY

j ayn a m arie m akeup an d ha ir kat i e elwo o d m akeup an d ha ir

kayla e ng lish cre ative

a insley's a ffa irs

Leslie & Aaron CAPTURED BY MATHIAS FAST PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW WE MET Coming from the same small town, we’d known

place where we could not only host all of our

of each other and been friendly for years. After

loved ones, but that we could spend an event-

spending the first fifteen of those years not

filled weekend with them as well. If we had

talking but watching from afar, and travelling

to describe the theme it’d be “forested folk,”

different paths, a life changing moment

a reflection of our love for the outdoors and

occurred when a girl with a bag of chips on her

antique and rustic décor. We’re planning to

lap received a random Facebook message from

have a friend’s jazz trio play during the ceremony

a certain musician looking for places to play

and dinner to create a relaxed, fun atmosphere

in her current city. A month of messaging, a

for our friends and family to enjoy. Aaron is

coincidental meeting at a soccer tournament,

an amateur beer brewer, so he and a friend

and two and a half years later here we are.

THE PROPOSAL A: We were travelling in Italy this past summer and staying at an old farmhouse among the vineyards and olive groves, overlooking a valley

are working on brewing a special wedding ale.

For eats, we’re thinking mouth-watering Cold Comfort ice cream sandwiches instead of a wedding cake, our favorite snacks (like chips!) and other fun, little dishes for appetizers as well as a unique but delicious dinner to fuel everyone for a night of dancing. We are

in Tuscany. We went for a walk through the

really trying to customize certain aspects of a

vineyards at sunset, I got down on one knee and

traditional wedding to create a personal thank

Leslie said yes. We returned to the farmhouse

you to our friends and family for their love and

to find a five-course Italian feast waiting on a table set for us under the stars.

L: Everything about the evening was amazing but what made me feel the most loved was the amount of time and preparation Aaron put into it all.

OUR BIG DAY Our big day is at Manning Park Resort in midsummer 2014. Since our family and friends are scattered around the world, we wanted a

support as we celebrate our “I Dos!” SOMETHING SWEET Aaron: What I love most about Leslie is her love.

How she loves the people in life, her family, her friends, her dog, and even me. I love her style too; it goes without saying she is absolutely gorgeous.

Leslie: He’s my perfect complement and life is simply better when he is around.

Aaron & Bryanna CAPTURED BY BRITTANY MAHOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW WE MET Having grown up in the same city

and instead of rings, we had each

and attended the same church, we

other’s initials engraved on our

had known – or rather known of –

ring fingers.

each other since we were kids. We were formally introduced while

THE BIG DAY

hanging out with mutual friends on

Completely on a whim, and so that

Christmas Eve of 2010 and we've

our family could be present before

been in love ever since!

we moved away, we decided to elope in Phoenix, Arizona. We

THE PROPOSAL

planned

Being young and financially limited,

ceremony in three days and it took

we decided to get engaged before

place on July 1st.

having the ring. We had a very nontraditional proposal at a tattoo shop in Newport Beach, California

.

the

small,

intimate

Matthew & Rachelle CAPTURED BY GILLIAN STEVENS PHOTOGRAPHY

Set on the point of Lighthouse Park trading post. The flowers were picked on Mayne Island, just off the coast straight from the farm courtesy of of Vancouver, a surprise sunset Farm Gate Store on Fernhill Road proposal, engagement shoot, and a and the wildflower bouquets we were candlelit picnic table topped with presented with blew us away. flowers,

champagne,

and

berry

crumble. Two people madly in love The absolute best part about this with each other, and a promise for shoot was how genuine Matthew and the rest of their lives.

Rachelle are in their love for each other. With a loud “YES!” and a warm

Mayne Island is a charming small embrace, they shared an incredible town located just a two-hour ferryboat moment on a cliff edge as the sun ride off the coast of Vancouver. It kissed their faces. The beautiful smile was my first time visiting this little on that girl’s face didn't leave for a Island oasis, and I was smitten from second, and was filled with the most the moment I arrived. Without any joy a person could muster. One of my large grocery stores, my husband and favourite shoots to date.

I gathered supplies for the proposal from the local farmers’ market and

- Gillian Stevens

THE CHANGE IN TRADITIONS

by Tahnée Sanders

My brief from the Refinery Mag was to create a holiday

“sweater” and “touque” when purchasing my Winter

centerpiece around the theme of traditions.

wardrobe. (My requests for “jumpers” and “beanies” have perplexed many a Canadian shop assistant.)

I struggled with this a little at first because Canadian traditions are still very new to me. How could I possibly

We’ve also learnt to swap the backyard sports

do justice to a Canadian Christmas table when I’m still

for a day on the ski slopes, the cold meats and

used to the word “holiday” meaning “vacation”, and

seafood for scrumptious turkey and cranberry

I’ve never tasted a pomegranate or warm apple cider?

sauce, and the lazy afternoons under the air conditioning for cozy nights around the fire.

I’m not qualified for this!

Weekends spent in Whistler watching the snow land But it was in expressing these thoughts that it dawned

ever-so-softly on the fir trees outside is still a pinch-

on me – there are no rules when it comes to traditions.

yourself moment for us.

Traditions are what we create when treasured memories meet new experiences.

And with that, I knew just what my centerpiece should be.

For 27 years I have spent Christmas under the southern sun in my homeland of Australia.

Scorching Australian Summer – meets Cosy Canadian Winter.

It’s always uncomfortably hot so the good intentions of a traditional roast meal for lunch are routinely

I sourced Australian eucalyptus and Canadian

exchanged for cold meats, copious quantities of

evergreens for my foliage, and chose blooms

barbecued seafood and ice-cold beverages.

reminiscent of a Summer sunset in protea, dahlia and ranunculus. Hints of pepperberry and berzelia

The backyard will resemble something of a sporting

were the perfect finishing touches.

arena where cricket and tennis are played with Olympic intensity. Relatives, taking shade on their deck chairs

These flowers’ meanings of protection, eternal

under the nearby eucalypts, will be heckling the

growth, courage, dignity and hope were fitting for

“athletes” for sheer enjoyment.

this special time of year.

There’s the compulsory mid-afternoon nap sprawled

Standing and holding my completed centerpiece

across the lounge room floor where we’ll all fight for the

was truly a joy-filled moment, one that two years

position closest to the fan, followed by the sunset game

ago I could not have imagined was a part of the plan.

of marco polo in the pool that will extend well in to the evening as it’s cooler in the water than on the patio.

So as I sit by the freshly-stoked fire in my woolen socks, I’d like to raise a glass and toast.

This year, however, my husband and I are excitedly preparing for our second Christmas in Canada.

To treasured memories and new experiences. To new traditions.

We now know where to go and pick-out our freshly-cut Christmas tree, and I’ve remembered to use the words

TahnĂŠe is an Australian-born journalist-turned floral designer.

She spends her days surrounded by beautiful blooms at Celsia Floral in Kitsilano.

book your event today at

do you want to see your ARUNDEL MANSION

BUSINESS HERE?

48 Begbie Street, New Westminster

contact us at advertising@therefinerymag.com 604 - 524-9498

Liz Reid

MORTGAGES

“I’m never too busy for you!”

Accredited Mortgage Professional 604 290 4835 | lizreid362@gmail.com LIZREID-MORTGAGES.CA

DIY: CREATING TRADITIONS A stylized DIY from Tahnée at Celsia Florist & Spread Love Events CAPTURED BY WHEN LOVE HAPPENS PHOTOGRAPHY

the METHOD Select the vessel you are going to use and form a grid on top of the vase

the INGRDIENTS and their MEANINGS Assorted eucalyptus varieties: Protection Assorted evergreens: Eternal growth Protea: Courage Dahlia: Dignity Ranunculus: You are radiant with charms Pepperberry: Protection Berzelia: Hope

using tape. This will help give some structure to your arrangement.

• Choose two or more varieties of greenery and begin building the basic shape of your centerpiece.

• Choose the largest blooms first, which will be your focus flower, and place these into the arrangement at different levels and angles. In this arrangement the protea was the focus flower.

• Use your next largest bloom, such as the dahlia, and position these in small groupings or near like colors.

• Add in other fillers and foliage for additional textures and depth.

Celsia Floral offers wholesale Stems purchasing if you would like to buy flowers to make your own holiday centerpiece.

They are also hosting bouquet, centerpiece and wreath-making workshops in the lead up to Christmas. Positions are filling fast so visit www.celsiafloral.com for more information and to sign up!

photography WHEN LOVE HAPPENS styling and stationary SPREAD LOVE EVENTS floral design TAHNEE for CELSIA FLORIST hair and make up KATIE ELWOOD MAKEUP AND HAIR tahnee's skirt ANTHROPOLOGIE

MARRYING MODERN

the Pop Up Wedding Project A CREATIVE COLLABORATION BETWEEN ALL & SUNDRY and THE NICKERSONS

The Pop Up Wedding Project (PUWP)

really came through at that moment and

is the brainchild of photographer Sarah

we caught a glimpse into their story and the

Nickerson from The Nickersons and wedding

love they share. There may have even been

planners Amy and Kamelli from All & Sundry

a few moments where we got a little teary-

Collective. Our goal was simple: to reach out

eyed, even though we’d met the couples only

to the marrying-minded in Vancouver who

minutes before the start of their ceremony.

were looking to tie the knot in a way that was

Of course there was also a great deal of

unique, memorable, and above all, affordable

laughter and merry-making to be had and

and we’re unbelievably pleased at how it all

we got to share in some of that too, whether

turned out!

it was dishing about wedding details with the in-laws or keeping an eye on one of the

When we first started planning this project

furry four-legged guests who was a little too

together we knew that we wanted to offer

interested in the cheese platter! Meeting all

couples something that was between a

of the couples who chose to have a Pop Up

traditional full-day soirée and a bare-bones

Wedding was an amazing experience and we

elopement. Not everyone wants, or can afford,

are so grateful to have been a part of their very

a big, splashy party and not everyone wants

special day. We knew from the start that the

to miss out on things like wedding decor and

majority of our clients had decided to share

videography for the convenience of eloping.

in the PUWP experience because they were

Instead, we put together an event that we felt

looking for an affordable, low-stress wedding

would provide couples with all the wedding

option and we were even told by some friends,

essentials: a beautiful venue with enough

family members, and couples that they would

space for all who are nearest and dearest,

never have gotten married if it weren’t for the

an amazing group of officiants to oversee

Pop Up Wedding Project. Feedback like that

a meaningful and personal ceremony, and

is what keeps us loving what we do every day

documentation of the event with photos and

and it’s certainly got our wheels turning about

video to capture and distill the experience.

a possible 2014 Pop Up Wedding Project so stay tuned!

We witnessed a lot of love that weekend.

It was deeply moving to hear each couple exchange their vows – their personalities

“As a photographer, the Pop-Up Wedding Project was a fun challenge. With The Nickersons, our business model is based on building relationships; we really try and get to know each of our couples on a personal level. By the time their wedding day rolls around we are a lot more like friends and a lot less like strangers. This enables us to get the authentic, raw, and emotional images that we love. However, with this project we only met half of the couples in advance. For some, the first time we introduced ourselves to them was after their ceremony had taken place. We really had to work hard to establish a connection with all ten couples in a very short time frame – we pretty much had just the two minute walk from the venue to the location where we were taking their photographs. It worked out really well though and we’re so happy with the photographs we were able to create. The couples really trusted us and we were very communicative with them to make sure we were creating photographs that they would love. It was really rewarding to achieve that!”

Sarah of The Nickersons “We’ll start off by saying that our PUWP experience was one that we won’t be forgetting anytime soon! Planning ten weddings that take place over the course of only two days was quite an experience and it certainly put our skills and knowledge to the test. We really took it upon ourselves to ensure that the look and feel of the venue was a reflection of All & Sundry’s aesthetic and values, while also taking care to bring some personalization to each and every wedding so that couples felt like their event was unique to them. Of course none of this would have been possible without the amazing team of vendors we were able to assemble to help make PUWP a reality.

As a young company, it’s been so amazing to see that All & Sundry has been really embraced by the local wedding community and we were able to form some really strong partnerships with our fellow PUWP collaborators. They really were absolutely invaluable and we couldn’t have pulled it off without them!”

Amy & Kamelli of All & Sundry

planning ALL & SUNDRY photography THE NICKERSONS venue THE CHINATOWN EXPERIMENT videography TOMASZ WAGNER | MANANETWORK officiants YOUNG HIP & MARRIED food LOUIS GERVAIS FINE FOOD & CATERING floral design CELSIA FLORIST rentals LONSDALE EVENT RENTALS wine LA MARCA PROSECCO jewellery CAVALIER in GASTOWN stationary KAYLA ENGLISH CREATIVE wall decal ANEWALL table & charcuterie boards GAMLA cake stands LET THEM EAT CAKES dress FROCKS

Nicole and Lenny CAPTURED BY THE NICKERSONS

THE REVIEW

the Pop-Up Wedding Project “We weren’t exactly sure what to expect when we signed up with the Pop Up Wedding Project but we couldn’t have imagined in our most vivid dreams the brilliance that the team created for our special day. At first I was slightly nervous and melancholy to no longer be planning every last detail, but very quickly [those feelings] melted away. I became the most laid back yet thoroughly excited bride you could find! We trusted them as the talented artists and designers we knew they were, which took away more stress and worry than I can describe. Walking into the most beautifully curated venue, picture perfect for us yet a total surprise, was a breathtaking experience. Everyone was extremely professional and caring.

We couldn’t have gotten so much within our budget if we had spent years trying to do so ourselves. We may have stayed engaged forever if not for PUWP. Instead, we had a perfect celebration with absolutely no regrets. Forever thankful!

- Nicole & Lenny Ford

OWL & FOX STUDIOS

...for weddings that are stupid good fun!

A I N S L E YSA FFA I R S .COM | FB.COM /A I N S L E YSA FFA I RS

Raj & Lyndsay CAPTURED BY OWL & FOX STUDIOS

wedding planning FILOSOPHI EVENTS videography BLUSH WEDDING FILMS hair and makeup ML MAKEUP dessert LE GATEAU BAKERY florist TALA FLORIST dress GURU BAZARA alterations BISOU BRIDAL venue RIVERSIDE GRAND BALLROOM fun extras PHOTOBOOTH VANCOUVER

HOW WE MET Raj and I met organically – through

were fed, we decided to skip the

mutual friends on a golf course. I

movie and instead went for a walk

can’t say it was love at first sight; he

through the city. We ended up

was a tall, lanky, and shy guy while

over looking the ocean at sunset

I was a girl that thought she was

and that’s when Raj knelt down

funnier than she probably actually

and asked me to marry him. It was

was.

beautiful. And of course I said yes!

However, a true friendship started

OUR BIG DAY

that day which matured and grew

Being of two different cultures,

into an undeniable love. If only

bringing our families and beliefs

we could have improved our golf

together

swing!

importance. The day went by in

was

of

the

upmost

a whirl of colors, sounds, and THE PROPOSAL

laughter. In reflection, it was

Raj had been working out of town

everything a little girl dreams of

and was visiting for the weekend.

and, when all was said and done,

We made plans to go for dinner at

we knew we’d never forget it.

our favorite restaurant and then take in a movie. After our tummies

PHOTO BY SHARI + MIKE www.shariandmike.ca

100% CUSTOM PAPER GOODS – CRAFTED FOR COUPLES

http://www.indieido.com

604.381.2099

hello@kaylaenglish.ca

www.kaylaenglish.ca

Jesse & Hannah CAPTURED BY JACKI MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY

officiant CHRISTOPHER BARRY videography JESSICA BAUGHMAN floral design LUSTY FARM gown DONNA MORGAN grooms formal wear H&M hair and makeup HAVANA SALON cupcakes by WILD PEAR CATERING ceremony venue HISTORIC DEEPWOOD ESTATE reception venue WILD PEAR CATERING her shoes STEVE MADDEN his shoes URBAN OUTFITTERS their rings ETSY

HOW WE MET My roommate at university had a

and invitations. Our favorite detail

massive crush on Jesse. I tried to

of the day was the true intimacy. Our

set them up but no deal. We became

focus was to build the perfect private

fast friends and ended up dating the

wedding and celebrate our marriage

following year!

intimately. Only immediate family and very few close friends were invited to

THE PROPOSAL

the ceremony.

On New Year’s Eve, Jesse and I made a trek into an open field to stargaze.

Having only 25 people present allowed

Under a full moon and a sea of stars,

us to connect with each guest and still

Jesse got down on one knee and asked

keep our wedding private and personal!

me to be his wife. I said “Of course!”

I never imagined it would go by so fast!

and we rang in the New Year as one blissfully engaged couple!

SOMETHING SPECIAL Jesse and I wanted to spend time

OUR BIG DAY

together the morning of our wedding

August 17th was a beautiful, warm

but I still wanted my entrance to be a

sunny day. We didn’t have a theme for

surprise! So rather than do a first look,

our wedding but our colors were ivory,

we met for coffee and spent an hour

blush pink, and eucalyptus green.

talking, encouraging each other, and reading scripture.

We had vintage and handmade details such as a retro record player, handpicked farm-fresh flowers, and DIY programs

Victoria & Pail CAPTURED BY JOSH DOOKHIE PHOTOGRAPHY

We wanted to do something to celebrate our one-year anniversary so we decided to do a photo shoot with our wedding photographer. We chose to re-wear our wedding attire and take photos around the house that we've lived in for our first year of marriage. We wanted to have a relaxed feel and I wanted to wear my wedding dress again so I paired it with a denim vest to dress it down. I wore a flower crown made by Oak & Lily and we also had floral arrangements put together. The colours were reminiscent of our wedding theme of green, burlap, and white. It was a great way to reminisce about our wedding day, as well as celebrate our first year of marriage together.

Moody blooms CAPTURED BY TARYN BAXTER PHOTOGRAPHY FLORAL DESIGN by UNIQUE BOUTIQUE FLORALS

floral design UNIQUE BOUTIQUE location HISTORIC STEWART FARM videography PARADOXA FILMS

watch the film

twisting sweet

TRADITIONS CAPTURED BY CRYSTAL MARIE SING PHOTOGRAPHY A COLLABORATION WITH TESSA of STYLE SWEET CA

CRANBERRY ORANGE CLOVE CAKE with champagne buttercream

LIGHTENED FRUIT CAKE with MASCARPONE FROSTING studded with candied cherries, dried currents, cranberries, golden raisins and dried pineapple

GINGERBREAD CAKE with CARAMEL TOFFEE CRUNCH and spiced buttercram frosting

TWISTING SWEET TRADITION A holiday recipe from Tessa of Style Sweet CA CAPTURED BY CRYSTAL MARIE SING PHOTOGRAPHY

CRANBERRY ORANGE CLOVE CAKE 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups granulated sugar

CHAMPAGNE BUTTERCREAM

2 tablespoons orange juice or 1 teaspoon orange blossom extract

6 egg whites 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup water 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups cake flour

1/4 cup Champagne

zest of 1 orange 6 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoons 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt

1. Place sugar and water in a medium sauce pan. Stir to

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

combine. Heat over medium high heat until the mixture

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer.

1 1/2 cups milk

2. Meanwhile, place the egg whites in the bowl of an

3/4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

electric mixer. Once the sugar reaches about 210- 215 degrees, start whipping the egg whites on high with a

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking pans.

whisk attachment.

Sift dry ingredients and set aside.

3. Once the sugar mixture reaches 238, remove

1. With an electric mixer on medium-high, mix the butter with a

from heat and let rest about 15 seconds.

paddle attachment for about 2-3 minutes.

4. With the mixer still on high, carefully pour

2. Add the sugar and orange zest and mix until light and fluffy.

in the sugar syrup.

3. Turn the mixer to low, and add in the egg yolks one at a time.

5. Continue to mixer until the meringue is

4. Add in the vanilla and orange.

room temperature.

5. Turn mixer off, and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a

6. Stop mixer and switch out the whisk for the

rubber spatula.

paddle attachment.

6. With the mixer on low, carefully alternate between adding in

7. With the mixer on medium, add in the butter-

the dry ingredients and milk- starting and ending with the dry.

a couple tablespoons at a time.

Be sure to stop mixer and scrape down the sides of the mixing

8. Mix in the vanilla.

bowl in between additions.

9. At this point, the mixture might look

7. Fold in the cranberries.

curdled or separated. Turn mixer to medium-high

8. Pour batter into prepared baking pans.

and beat until smooth and silky.

10. Carefully add in the Champagne.

This recipe will make three 8" round cakes. Bake for about 22 minutes or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean after being inserted into the center of the cakes.

11. Re-mix until combined.

OLIVIA HEADPIECES | SHARI + MIKE PHOTORGAPHERS

VE N DORS d o you wa nt to se e your busin ess h e re?

CONTACT US - ADVERTISING@THEREFINERYMAG.COM

CAPTURED BY BRITTANY MAHOOD

holiday

GIFT GUIDES

from the refinery magazine

for HIM & HER get more gift ideas on our pinterest page! pinterest.com/therefinerymag

FOR HIM holiday gift guide

backpack

watch

iphone case

turntable

toque

boots

headphones

jacket

shaving soap

F OR HER holiday gift guide

floral phone case votive holders

vase

old-fashioned head set

rose gold cutlery

2014 calendar

eve plate

earrings

black & white platter

ALL DRESSED IN WHITE CAPTURED BY SHARI + MIKE PHOTOGRAPHERS

models PACIFICA of LUXE MODEL MANAGEMENT and JANINE MERKL with CURTIS CLEVELAND floral design DELOVELY CREATIVE gowns and accessories BLUSH OCCASIONS hair & makeup JAYNA MARIE MAKEUP & HAIR cake design LE GATEAU BAKESHOP headpieces OLIVIA

GUCIO SHOOT

soft. fresh. light LOOKS FOR YOUR WINTER CELEBRATION

CAPTURED BY GUCIO PHOTOGRAPHY

hair & makeup KATIE ELWOOD MAKEUP & HAIR accessories SARAH MULDER JEWELLERY attire FROCKS MODERN VANCOUVER videography HERA FILMS styling AINSLEY REID for THE REFINERY MAGAZINE

watch the film

CAPTURED BY M&HIM PHOTOGRAPHY

location LOFTY LIVING, NEW WESTMINSTER

DOLLARS & SENSE by liz reid

Credit is a word that strikes fear into many

extra payments and lower their interest rate.

people as it has been vilified over the years

While this is true, I always caution them that

due to overuse. That said, credit really

the costs to refinance can be expensive and

can be a wonderful way to learn to control

it’s not always the best way to tackle debt.

money and get ahead.

So how do we avoid this problem? It starts With the holidays approaching fast this time

by really understanding credit and credit

of year, we seem to dig ourselves deeper into

scores. We all need credit at some time or

debt to keep up with the gift-giving spirit.

another. Most people do not have the cash to

Let’s face it: if we could organize ourselves

outright buy a house or a car. So let’s go over

over several months to buy our gifts, we

what credit and credit scores really are and

could probably manage the cost. However,

why they are so important.

most of us end up buying for several people all in a two or three-week period, leading to

First of all, what is credit?

expenses that range anywhere from several

Credit is best described by Investopedia

hundred to several thousand dollars all

as: “A contractual agreement in which a

within twenty days! Yikes!

borrower receives something of value now and agrees to repay the lender at some date

This can mess up your budget – and really

in the future, generally with interest. The

your life – for months or years if you are not

term also refers to the borrowing capacity of

able to manage the debt correctly.

an individual or company.”

As a Mortgage Professional, many clients

If you have ever borrowed money to buy a

approach me in February and March to

car or house, or applied for a credit card or

discuss debt consolidation options. Some

bank loan, you have had credit and therefore

people see this as a money management

have created a credit score for yourself.

tool; they figure that it is a way to handle the

Credit, or “beacon,” scores are a mathematical formula

done by visiting www.equifax.ca or www.transunion.

based on how much credit you have, how long you

ca and requesting your personal report.

have had it, and how you make payments.

The good news is that your credit report is a working Credit scores can range from 300 to 900 points and

document. This means that you have the ability over

the higher score you have, the lower the risk you are to

time to repair any damaged credit and increase your

lenders who loan money.

credit score.

In Canada, we have two credit reporting agencies:

I always advise that if you are unsure of what is stated

Trans Union and Equifax.

on your report, check with the reporting agency to get further clarity or enquire with a professional such as a

Every time you borrow money, or make a payment

Mortgage Broker to get further assistance and develop

on a loan or credit card, the lender then reports

a plan to repair it, if necessary.

the information about the transaction to these two agencies. In addition to credit information, you will

I constantly work with clients that have saved a down

also find liens and judgments on your credit report as

payment but do not have the credit scores to qualify

well as your address and possibly your work history.

for a large loan, such as a mortgage. There are simple strategies you can implement that will improve your

Potential lenders and others, such as employers, view

credit drastically in as little six months and they really

your credit history as a reflection of your

are painless.

character. Whether we like it or not, our financial

So with all this being said, I suggest you give yourself a

habits have a lot to say about the way in which we

gift this holiday season. Look at 2014 as the year to get

choose to live our lives.

organized with your finances. Create a budget, request your credit score, plan a debt reduction strategy and

This is why I stress how important it is to protect your

live within your means. This way you can put your

credit and learn to manage it. By this I mean being

best foot forward with a new potential employer, bank

aware of whom you give your personal information

or spouse.

and taking care to ensure that if you owe money to anyone, you pay it off within the terms agreed upon

Happy holidays and all the best for a successful new

or sooner.

year!

It is always advisable for you to check your own credit at least once per year to ensure that everything on the report is actually yours and is correct. This can be

Liz Reid is a Licensed Mortgage Professional with Dominion Lending – Aegis Mortgage Services and has been strategizing with new home buyers in the Lower Mainland and the Interior of BC for 7 years.

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CIT GUIDE

city guide

OSLO, NORWAY CAPTURED BY ANNEMARI RUTHVEN PHOTOGRAPHY WRITTEN by EMMA KIRSH

PHOTOS by EMMA KIRSH

Exploring Oslo... written by Emma Kirsh

When I moved to Oslo I really didn’t know what

3) Oslo Opera house – The opera house is the

to expect. I had heard that it was quite similar to

most unique building in Oslo and is definitely a main

Vancouver in terms of the amount of green space it

attraction. Finished in 2007, over 1.3 million people

has to offer. I have noticed some similarities between

passed through the doors in its first year. Even if you

the two cities and while there are plenty of parks to

are not a fan of the opera, it’s worth a visit to see this

be found, Oslo definitely has it’s own vibe. It has a

interesting building. Visitors can walk up the sloped

European feel but there is also a touch of modernity in

roof from ground level and are rewarded with a

Oslo’s architecture, specifically around the harbour.

fantastic view of all of downtown Oslo.

There are so many places and things to see in the city

4) Grünerløkka – One of the coolest districts in

but here are a few that I think you must visit on a trip

Oslo, there are so many neat bars and cafes to check

to Oslo.

out. This area is also known for great shopping with independent design shops, vintage and second hand

1) Aker Brygge – Aker Brygge is the harbor area

stores. During my orientation, our leader referred

located right in downtown Oslo. Visitors can stroll

to it as the “hipster part of Oslo,” much like the

along the boardwalk with a waterfront view on one

Commercial Drive area in Vancouver

side and trendy restaurants and shops on the other.

It is beautiful during the day and equally beautiful at

5) Sognsvann lake—This lake holds a special place

night.

in my heart as it’s a mere five minute walk from my student housing and is one of the first places we went

2) Karl Johans gate – Named for King Charles III

when we arrived in Oslo. This lake is so peaceful

John, this is Oslo’s main street in the centre of the

and beautiful and there is always people running,

city where you’ll find high-end shopping, restaurants,

walking or just outside enjoying nature! During

nightlife and entertainment. Karl Johans gate has

warmer weather, we had some awesome campfires

a distinctly European atmosphere, complete with

and barbeques at this lake and it happens to mark

cobblestone streets, interesting architecture and

the start for several different hikes, including a hike

sweet, little cafés. This street connects the Norwegian

to Hollenkollmen, the famous ski jump you can see

Royal Palace with the rest of the city and you’ll find

from anywhere in Oslo!

many of Oslo’s main tourist attractions, including the Norwegian parliament building, the National

It may not be a city that first comes to your mind but

Theatre, as well as the Palace Park.

I highly recommend visiting Oslo! You will absolutely enjoy your time while you are here!

see you in january for our adventure issue!

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